Description[]
The Temple is one of the two factions that rule the Empire of Vasilios, along with the Imperial Family. It consists of ordained ministers and priests who perform religious rituals and appeal to the Guardian Deity. At the head of the Temple is the Pope of Vasilios, who performs the highly-anticipated annual Yearly Prayer. The Temple uses divinity, a gift bestowed by the Guardian Deity, to maintain stability within the empire.[1] Despite the division of power, the Temple and the imperial family have an ongoing feud that spans over many years.[2]
The Yearly Prayer[]
Every year, the citizens of Vasilios gather at the Temple. On the day of the Yearly Prayer, the Pope grants a chosen representative, usually the Crown Princess, the Sacred Relic and allows him or her to enter the Temple. This individual prays on behalf of the kingdom at the statue of the Guardian Deity for another prosperous year for the Vasilios Empire. To prevent corruption of holy grounds on such an important day, no other person is allowed to set foot in the Temple during the Yearly Prayer.[3]
Sacred Relic[]
This item is worn by the representative of the Vasilios Empire on the day of the Yearly Prayer. It is a white cross strung on a fine, golden chain. It acts as a medium to contact the Guardian Deity of Vasilios.[3]
Guardian Deity of Vasilios[]
The Guardian Deity of Vasilios is a sacred entity that oversees the empire and its citizens. Within the Temple, a statue is erected in the middle of a fountain, depicting a winged being holding a mirror. Below that is the head of a cherub. Once a year, it is called upon on the day of the Yearly Prayer by a representative of the empire and grants a wish.
Attire[]
While visitors of the Temple may wear appropriate clothing of their choice, priests of the Temple are generally dressed in flowing robes of white and gold. The Pope of Vasilios is seen wearing a traditional biretta and holding a large crosier.[4] On the day of the Yearly Prayer, the chosen representative of the kingdom is draped in white and gold fabrics and presented the Sacred Relic before entering the Temple. Knights that protect and serve the Temple wear imperial robes of white and blue.[5]
Members[]
This list is truncated down to only known members of the Temple.
Trivia[]
- Many medieval European empires had a division of power between its reigning monarchs and the Catholic Church. The evolution of shared power between church and state during this era influenced cultures of developing worlds and shaped the western world.[6]